Tube, Class A and balanced headphone amplifiers, including DAC and gaming combos, compared by output power, outputs and impedance range.
FiiO K9 Dual ES9068AS Desktop DAC/Amp — read reviewA desktop DAC and headphone amplifier listed at $499.99 with a choice of EU, US, UK or AU plug. Its pictured table gives at least 2000mW+2000mW at 32Ω balanced, and the pictures list 6.35mm, 4.4mm and XLR-4 headphone outputs plus Bluetooth 5.1.
Cayin IHA-8 Headphone Amplifier — read reviewA desktop headphone amplifier listed at $999 with 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm and 4-pin XLR balanced outputs and XLR and RCA inputs. Its pictures rate the balanced output at 7000mW into 16Ω and 1000mW into 300Ω in standard mode, with a Hyper mode listed higher.
xDuoo TA32 Tube DAC/Headphone Amp — read reviewA DAC and tube balanced headphone amplifier at $999 with 6.5mm, 4.4mm and 4-pin XLR headphone outputs. A pictured table gives 2300mW and 3000mW at 32Ω; it suits buyers who want a tube stage and a DAC module the pictures call replaceable.
Yulong DAART Aurora DAC/Preamp/Amp — read reviewA DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier listed at $999.99 as the Standard Version-Silver. A pictured table gives 4000mW at 32Ω from the 4.4mm and XLR4 balanced outputs and 1600mW at 32Ω from the 6.35mm output, so it suits buyers who want balanced headphone and pre-amp outputs in one unit.
Yulong DAART A39 Preamp/Headphone Amp — read reviewA preamplifier and headphone amplifier listed at $1,099 in black or silver. A pictured table gives 6000mW at 32Ω balanced and 2500mW at 32Ω single-ended, so it suits buyers who want 4.4mm, 6.35mm and 4-pin XLR headphone outputs and do not need a DAC in the same box.
GUSTARD H26 Headphone Amp and Preamp — read reviewA headphone amplifier with RCA and XLR preamp outputs, listed at $1,149.99 in black or silver. Its 22 pictures list 4.4 balanced, 6.35 single-end and XLR balanced headphone outputs and 12000mW @32Ω (THD=1%) as maximum power. It suits buyers who want balanced and single-ended plugs on one unit.